The
prints in this series are each about 14 by 10 inches (36 by 25 centimeters), a
size known as ôban.

Scene: Hatchô-tsuboteKiheiji (八町礫喜平次) and his wife Yatsuhiro
at the attack on the Aso family in Higo

Robinson:
S35.1

Publisher:
Ise-yaIchibei

I am grateful to Davor Solter for this keyblock print of the above design.A keyblock print is an impression pulled
from the first woodblock made by a carver from the artist’s original
drawing.The artist would write
instructions for each color on a separate key block print, and the woodblock
for each color was cut using one of these as a guide.In addition to being a guide for carving
the color woodblocks, the key block was also used to apply black ink
(usually) in the final printing process.

Scene: The
sculptor HidariJinjorô (左甚五郎) with his sculptures of a dragon and two lions
coming to life

Robinson:
S35.2

Publisher:
Ise-yaIchibei

I am grateful to Davor Solter for this keyblock print of the above design.

Scene: The
courtesan Jigoku (地獄, meaning hell) enthroned under the patronage of the
priest Ikkyû

Robinson:
S35.3

Publisher:
Enshû-yaMatabei

Scene: Kaji-jo (梶女) the poetess of the Gion
district of Kyotoreclining and reading a letter

Robinson:
S35.4

Publisher:
Ise-yaIchibei

Keyblock print for the
above design.

Scene:
Kane-jo (兼女) carrying her washing tub with runaway horse and a cowering groom in
the background

Robinson:
S35.5

Publisher:
Ise-yaIchibei

Scene: The
poetess Kikaku (其角) in a boat under a bridge during a shower of rain

Robinson:
S35.6

Publisher:
Enshû-yaMatabei

Scene: Koshikibu-no-naishi (小式部内侍) with her servant at the Kitano Temple in Kyoto

Robinson:
S35.7

Publisher:
Ise-yaIchibei

Scene:
Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵) with two
wooden swords, fencing with the old Master TsukaharaBokuden who is using twowooden pot lids